I’m quite looking forward to the Auckland Nines. As a Broncos fan I want to see how Ben Barba goes in maroon and gold, but also how the weekend makes some of the lesser-known names into players kids seek out for autographs on match day.
What a shame that won’t come from last year’s minor and major premiers the Sydney Roosters.
Yes, I am calling out one of the modern day greats for not only making a selfish decision but possibly hindering the development of the game’s future stars.
If Brad Fittler gathered a few of his mates, like Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley, Wendell Sailor and Gorden Tallis, got them to head over to NRL HQ and into Dave Smith’s office and say, “Dave, we wanna play at the Nines, can their be a couple of ‘legends’ games over there,” I would be in full support and so would the rest of the NRL community.
A chance to watch former greats run around in an OzTag style match for charity and a bit of fun would fit in well with what the NRL want the weekend to be about.
Even better, a legends versus celebrities match where former players take on Australian actors/actresses and media personalities and such.
I’m sure a few of the current crop of players would get in the ear of Ruben Wiki and ask him to ‘accidentally’ flaw a couple of NRL journos for them.
Instead, Fittler now takes up a place on the Roosters Nines squad that could have potentially been filled by one of their NYC players looking to make it big in the NRL.
This young player could have used the weekend to show what he can do in the game, make a case to other teams to want to give him a spot on their roster, make a case to Trent Robinson to maybe give some more thought into including him in his plans for 2014.
It also compromises the Roosters chances of winning the tournament.
Fittler, now 41 and out of the game since losing the 2004 grand final to Canterbury, becomes the weak link teams can expose at the tournament.
Don’t tell me the Bulldogs, Broncos and Eels won’t be telling their players “Whenever Fittler is on, run straight at him.”
I’ve also seen a few people on social media and some respected journalists claim it ruins the credibility of the tournament.
While one player doesn’t ruin the credibility of a tournament the players will look to have a bit of fun at anyway, it does bring in to question which team will look to a former star next, and once we get a few more former players in team’s rosters for the tournament, then we start to look at credibility issues.
Call me a party pooper if you want, but this tournament will be about fast-paced NRL action, fun and there will be rookies who announce themselves on the NRL stage.
It should not be about a former NRL player looking for one more moment of glory.
Stolzy
Guest
Broncos and Titans Play 15th Feb and i know the storm and Raiders are also playing on the same day most teams are having trials on the same weekend as the 9's. i would like to see the 9's show what it is....a celebration of rugby league....the prize money makes it serious...and the big bash has shown that some of the old guys can still cut it in that comp....as a broncos fan looking at our halves...im wishing D Lockyer would come out of retirement for the 9's and help guide us around the park...bit too much to ask of Alf considering he already did that 12 years ago lol :) Think about it we could have Broncos - Darren Lockyer Roosters - Brad Fittler Sea Eagles - Steve Menzies Titans - Matt Rogers Sharks - David Peachy Rabbitohs - Mick Crocker Tigers - Lote Tequiri Bulldogs - Andrew Ryan Eels - Nathan Hindmarsh Raiders - Adam Mogg Storm - Brett Finch Warriors - Steve Price or Ruben Wiki Cowboys - Paul Bowman Knights - Danny Budereus Panthers - Ryan Girdler
Haz
Guest
Would anyone object if Menzies came out of retirement for the Nines? Freddy vs Beaver is a matchup I'd love yo see.
nayfo
Guest
yep and i guess jennings superb solo effort to get the ball down was actually a no try, it was infact manly giving up on the play.
rick karaitiana
Guest
I agree with Marldon I think he;s to old to play but that's my opinion, Freddy thinks he is good enough, good on him, the proof is in the pudding, I will wait till after the game, and we will both give you our opinions, Good luck old fella, prove them wrong.
Barney
Guest
I hope Freddy's opponents and teammates show a man of his age respect by calling him Mr.
Barney
Guest
Hey Barney, you should shut up!
Casper
Guest
are we on this tangent again with you warring manly/rooster followers. the article was about the credibility of the nines. Fittler is surely too old & too long out of the game to seriously compete, unless it's a joke competition. On your tangent, I have never rated Pearce more than competent, but he's now won a premiership & that's in the history books. As much as my Qld heart says don't give him a wrap, he's certainly nowhere near the worst half in the comp. I'd swap him with Ben Hunt at the broncos or whoever the cowboys decide on to partner Thurston. Maybe not the titans because Kelly is young with potential. stay on topic & get over yourselves
rlrefereeman
Guest
Being a rugby league referee and senior coach for many years, I would have to lean to manlyman on this debate. The referee was quite bad and at our recent training, the discussion was that the errors in refereeing did sway the game to the Roosters. Naturally Daniel Anderson could not make precise comment. Manly were the team which peaked at the right time and the unfortunate errors did rob them of the rewards of timing their run perfectly. No cheating, just unfortunate.
Arnold Kerwanty
Guest
Just bring back the Wally Lewis Challenge! All the golden oldies could get a run then. Was always a good event.
Misto
Guest
Apparently he played allright for the Classic Wallabies last year but that's a lot different to NRL first grade...
karlos
Guest
Let him play if he and the roosters want. Short games and his nous will keep him from getting hurt with the ball and a few tackles wont bring him unstuck. Good for any young fella who gets to play besides this champion. Hate roosters but love Freddy.
mushi
Guest
And I thought the coonawarra was our best whine region
Muzz
Guest
WOW turned 2 unwanted players into 2nd place getters,what an achievement Toovs!!! To bad he couldn't help the Wolfman.........We had 6 players in our squad that no one wanted and we won the comp....... How are your 9 NEW players settling in at pre season training???i wonder if the Stewart Brothers are fighting with any of them???
Muzz
Guest
manlyman, Toovey inherited a premiership winning side and has had 2 cracks at it and fallen short....Robo on the other hand has won a premiership on his debut season as coach, CLEARLY no hack and has a good chance of going back to back.Toovey is the new Brian Smith : ))
manlyman101
Guest
Also muzz Toovey turned Lawrence and horo into regular 1st graders possibly the two buys of the season. That's 2 unwanted players that can't crack 1st grade. The roosters. Bought sbw bought Jennings and bought Maloney and bought odonnel. Enough said. Don't speak muzz unless you've got a nappy on too catch all your shyza
manlyman101
Guest
In every game we played in manly had key players out. Bar the gf. The 4-0 we pretty much destroyed you all over the park without Stewart we couldn’t crack ur defense which is very good. But in the gf we totally dominated you, tupos try would of been your only try. The form manly were in was sublime hence the DCE clivechurch hill medal. Manly never lose when infront by ten or more. Now. In the gf it seems the rules are different for each team the roosters are allowed knock ons hands on the ball headbutts taking out players stripping the ball Jennings kicking it out but no intervention from video ref despite two clear replays. Forward passes so blatant its disgusting! That level the game.. honesty your blind or just don’t care as roosters fans but the entire game were robbed and every one bar roosters fans know what a farce the gf was. Roosters 12th in 2012. Bought not breed. Cheated not earned.
AT
Guest
What would you pay to see your hero's go around one more time? Arthur's passed away, God rest his soul, Wally is way to old for this but Brad may sneak in a couple more games before our memories fade about him completely. I say let him play and sit back and enjoy, we will either see a master class in League or at the very least have a couple of laughs. Brisbane should invite Wendell just for a bit of spice.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Isn't bought not bred a slightly odd call for a Manly fan to call?
manlyman101
Guest
Hey muzz In 2008 Melbourne beat manly twice in the regular season. Then as you know we destroyed them 40-0. Which is pretty much what would of happened to you if any other ref was in charge. You say you beat us five times i say bah! Manly have beaten you for 5 years. Roosters cheated not earned bought not breed
manlyman101
Guest
In every game we played in manly had key players out. Bar the gf. The 4-0 we pretty much destroyed you all over the park without Stewart we couldn't crack ur defense which is very good. But in the gf we totally dominated you, tupos try would of been your only try. The form manly were in was sublime hence the DCE clivechurch hill medal. Manly never lose when infront by ten or more. Now. In the gf it seems the rules are different for each team the roosters are allowed knock ons hands on the ball headbutts taking out players stripping the ball Jennings kicking it out but no intervention from video ref despite two clear replays. Forward passes so blatant its disgusting! That level the game.. honesty your blind or just don't care as roosters fans but the entire game were robbed and every one bar roosters fans know what a farce the gf was. Roosters 12th in 2012. Bought not breed. Cheated not earned.